Xiu Ning knew more than Xitala Debao because Ao Bai would be officially removed from the scene next year, leaving him with less than a year of rampant arrogance. This man was like a grasshopper in autumn, his days of hopping around wouldn't last much longer.
“Father, the Niohuru clan has a little prince, and sooner or later they will take another step forward.”
Ao Bai's ability to kill Sukesaha on his own shows that he was a man of considerable ambition.
It's not surprising that the two of them, who were initially brought together by mutual interests, can now separate for the same reason.
In the original process, even though Consort Shu had not yet conceived, Ebilun and Oboi eventually had some disagreements and became hostile to each other.
Finally, with the support of Suo'etu and others, Kangxi imprisoned Aobai and dismissed Ebilun from his post, sending him home. Then, in less than three years, both men passed away, as if it were a grand dream that vanished without a trace upon waking.
Hitara Debao agreed with Xiu Ning's statement, and at the same time became even more convinced that the Emperor would take action against the two of them.
"We must be very careful when we enter the palace this time."
"Don't worry, Father, your daughter will take care of it."
"..."
On June 13th, Xiuning, dressed in a plain-colored Manchu dress, boarded the carriage bound for the Forbidden City, watched by her relatives.
Xiuning was in a good mood as she sat in the carriage. Although she was only a low-ranking concubine and the ceremony she received when entering the palace was extremely simple (or practically nonexistent), as the saying goes, she was better off than some and worse off than others.
Compared to those concubines who couldn't bring anything and had to rely on themselves to enter the palace empty-handed, she had already won at the starting line. Moreover, Lady Fucha and Xitala Debao had never mistreated her in terms of dowry and connections.
It's no exaggeration to say that if Xiuning were willing, she could compete with some of the concubines after entering the palace; she would certainly be able to put up a fight.
The carriage traveled for about half an hour, and just as Xiuning was about to fall asleep from the swaying, they arrived at their destination.
As the sound of spring rain came from outside the car, Xiu Ning calmed herself down and then slowly stepped out through the lifted curtain.
"This humble servant, Xiao Zhuzi, greets Venerable Xitala."
The clever young eunuch who was waiting nearby came up to them, first introducing himself, and then explaining his purpose for waiting there (naturally, to escort someone back to the palace).
"Thank you for your trouble, Father-in-law."
Xiu Ning nodded, and with Chun Yu's help, the two of them followed behind the little eunuch toward Qixiang Palace.
Qixiang Palace was the sleeping quarters assigned to Xiuning, located on the west side of the Forbidden City.
The Qing Dynasty imperial harem was also referred to as the East and West Six Palaces, meaning there were six palaces on each of the east and west sides.
Furthermore, in the Qing Dynasty imperial harem, just as the left side was often considered more honored when paying respects, the palace closest to the Qianqing Palace, where Emperor Kangxi resided, was also considered more honored.
Qixiang Palace and Yongshou Palace were located side by side. Consort Shu, of the Niohuru clan, lived in Yongshou Palace.
Xiu Ning thought of the palace the Empress had assigned to her. She couldn't deny that it was a poisoned morsel. Although it was close to the Emperor, it would also easily cause conflicts with Consort Shu. Xiu Ning hadn't forgotten how Consort Shu had attacked her time and time again. From now on, the two of them would have to live like neighbors, and who knew what would happen.
'Tsk tsk, the Empress is quite shrewd, especially when it comes to such trivial matters.'
After muttering something to the system in her mind, Xiu Ning calmly looked into the distance.
Although the Empress had already arranged a cannon fodder role for Xiu Ning when she entered the palace, it was still unknown whether Xiu Ning would follow the script.
The Empress has her own clever plans, but Xiu Ning also has her own ways to get around the situation. As the conflict gradually arises, it remains to be seen who will ultimately prevail.
Soon, the gates of Qixiang Palace came into view of Xiuning.
As Xiuning slowly stepped across the threshold, she immediately spotted the two palace maids and eunuchs standing at the front.
With a slight smile, Xiu Ning walked over, her beautiful eyes turning to look at the little bamboo beside her.
Xiao Zhu Zi was indeed a clever person. She immediately understood Xiu Ning's meaning, stepped forward, and introduced the two people standing at the front with a smile, "Your Highness, this is the head eunuch of Qi Xiang Palace, Li Mama, arranged by the Imperial Household Department; this is the supervising eunuch of Qi Xiang Palace, Eunuch Kang."
Having received the two people's address, Xiu Ning did not forget to lower her own posture and smiled and nodded to them.
Turning her head, Xiuning gestured for Chunyu to step forward, while she smiled and thanked the young master who was leading the way.
The eunuchs who come to guide you are all people in the Emperor's service. Although they haven't made it big yet, they might suddenly rise to prominence.
Xiu Ning didn't want to miss an opportunity to make connections because of her indifference. They were all colleagues in the harem, and they might need each other's help someday.
"You're too kind, my lord. It's all my duty," Xiao Zhuzi said as he took the thick purse that Chunyu handed him.
The purse looked exquisite, and the contents inside were quite substantial.
Xiao Zhu's eyes lit up, and he skillfully tucked the item into his sleeve. Hehe, picking people up was indeed a lucrative job, and it was worth the money he spent to curry favor with the consul who arranged the work.
"You must be tired from escorting me to the palace all the way. If you have something to attend to, please go ahead and do your work," Xiuning said simply, ending their pleasantries.
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Highness. This servant will take his leave now," Xiao Zhuzi said crisply, bowing and turning to leave Kaixiang Palace.
It wasn't that he turned his back on people after receiving the reward; it was simply that there were indeed things to do later, from important matters like Xiu Ning's future bedchamber arrangements to minor matters like promptly reporting back to the responsible eunuch. These were all his responsibilities, and he couldn't afford to delay.
With Xiao Zhu gone, only their own people remained at Qixiang Palace.
Xiu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, and then had Chun Yu give a purse to both Eunuch Kang and Granny Li.
Their identities were the head servants of Qixiang Palace, so those they served were naturally high-ranking concubines. Xiuning was only an ordinary low-ranking concubine for the time being. It was already a great honor for these two to show up and greet her. Xiuning couldn't really consider herself a master and order them around at will.
"Thank you both for your hard work. If there is anything I have done poorly in the future, I will have to trouble you to take care of it."
Chunyu also chimed in with a few polite words, "Our young mistress has only just entered the palace today, and there are so many things to deal with that she's completely overwhelmed. So I won't bother you any longer."
"I will prepare a feast another day, and apologize to Eunuch Kang and Granny Li when they are free."
"Not at all, Miss Chunyu, you're too kind. I wouldn't dare accept such praise. Please feel free to ask if you have any instructions, my lady."
"This humble servant is unworthy, but will certainly do his utmost to serve the minor official."
The two men spoke very sweetly, but neither of them took it to heart.
Xiu Ning was well aware that if she wanted to win over these two seasoned veterans of the harem, she would have to wait until she became a concubine and occupied the central main hall of Qixiang Palace.
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